thumb|261x261px|Close-up of a fire pink flower

Silene virginica, the fire pink, is a perennial wildflower native to eastern and central North America that belongs to the pink family, Caryophyllaceae. Fire pink, known for its distinct, brilliant-red flowers, begins blooming in late spring and stays in bloom throughout the summer.

Description

S. virginica is a small, 20–80 cm (8–31 in) tall, short-lived perennial, with lance shaped leaves. Flowering stems begin their growth in late winter to early spring from the center of basal leaf rosettes, growing outward at first, and arching upward as they mature. Stems are reddish on the side receiving the most sunlight, and tend to be greener on the side receiving more shade. Fruiting occurs in mid to late summer when flowers are replaced by tan, seed-containing capsules.

The development of the sexual parts of fire pink are separated in time, with 5 stamens emerging first. After this has occurred, the next 5 stamens emerge. The dichogamous separation of its reproductive development timing makes fire pink a highly outcrossing species, and reduces chances for self-pollination. and Michigan. It is imperiled in Louisiana.

thumb|359x359px|Painting of Silene virginica

The native habitats of fire pink are open woodlands, rocky slopes, Fire pink's preferred conditions are partial sun with well-drained soils. It can tolerate sunny conditions but thrives under a mix of sun and shade.

thumb|262x262px|Trichomes on the calyx of a Silene virginica individual

Ecology

Flowering plants have evolved different attractive features such as bright colors, fragrance, and large floral displays in order to attract pollinators. Fire pink's principal pollinator is the ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris). The fire pink exhibits floral traits that are in line with hummingbird pollination syndrome, as it is vibrantly colored, releases no detectable odor, does not have landing pads, and contains nectar deep within its corolla tube. This flower morphology, specifically the long corolla tube and lack of structures that attract or facilitate visitation by other pollinators, mean that fire pink's nectar reward is only available to hummingbirds or, less commonly, long-tongued invertebrate pollinators. This is not a form of carnivory, as the hairs don't release any digestive enzymes, but rather is a form of passive defense in order to protect the flower's developmental structures and prevent the nectar reward from being taken by those who don't aid in pollination. However, it can occasionally be affected by the anther-smut disease Ustilago violacea. When infected, the anthers of diseased plants will appear dark and smutted, but the plants will appear normal in every other way. The root of fire pink was used by the Cherokee people as a primary remedy for snakebite. Its roots were also decocted and used as a medicine for intestinal worms.

The word 'pink' in the common name 'fire pink' does not refer to the color, but rather the 'pinked' edges of the petals, referring to the jagged or zig-zag outside edges.

thumb|Close up of a Silene regia flower

There are two recognized varieties of fire pink. Most plants of this species are classified as Silene virginica var. virginica; however, an endemic variety occurs in West Virginia as well as parts of South-East Kentucky and East Tennessee called Silene virginica var. robusta. This variety is larger in size than var. virginica, with larger leaves and a longer stem. A species similar to Silene virginica is Silene regia, the royal catchfly.